Autograph, released earlier this year, is positioned as a next-generation tool for motion design and visual effects. Similar to After Effects, it utilizes a layer-based compositing model, and its timeline includes a standard layer stack and a dope sheet, but combines it with a 3D mode for viewing and manipulating 3D assets.
The 3D workflow is based on USD (Universal Scene Description), and the software features its own real-time physically-based renderer called Filament, which can be used to render 3D assets for integration into the composition. Autograph stands out with its user-friendly interface, and its generator system is described as a simpler alternative to node graphs for creating procedural content, while its modifiers are described as a simpler alternative to expressions.
However, its main advantage is being the "first responsive design video software," with a workflow tailored to artists who need to create projects in multiple resolutions and aspect ratios from a single file.
The software can also be used to create multiple design variations or language versions of a project by connecting CSV database data to the Instancer program.
The main change in Autograph 2023.6 is the UV Map Generator and the updated Vector Corner Pin. These tools can be combined to track deforming surfaces and create corresponding animated UV maps, allowing for digital makeup or tattoo effects, as well as applying logos to clothing.
In addition, Autograph now integrates with the online GLSL Shadertoy shader development platform, enabling users to copy shader code from the website and paste it into the shader generator in Autograph.
The update to Autograph includes enhancements to existing features, such as new shape contour generators and modifiers for creating and working with 2D shapes, including circle, rectangle, polygon, star, and crop outline.
The 3D toolset has received a new Camera UV Project Modifier and support for Catmull-Clark and Bilinear subdivision for 3D mesh primitives created in Autograph. Improvements in camera functionality include the ability to import animated cameras from DCC applications or tracking software, such as SynthEyes, via the USD format.
The user interface has been improved for the Project Panel, Viewer Panel, and Properties Panel. Users of Autograph Studio, the full version of the software, also have access to a new Python API, allowing them to automate common tasks or extend the user interface using custom PySide panels. Pipeline integration changes include support for hardware-accelerated AV1 encoding on AMD, Intel, and Nvidia GPUs.
Autograph is compatible with Windows 10 and above, CentOS 7/Ubuntu 20.04 and above for Linux, and macOS 10.15 and above. For macOS 11.0 and above, the program natively supports Apple Silicon processors.
The cost of perpetual licenses for Autograph Creator, for users with an annual income of less than $1 million, is priced at an MSRP of $945. Subscription options are available at $35 per month or $315 per year. For Autograph Studio, the perpetual license is priced at $1,795, and the subscription option is available at $59 per month or $599 per year.